The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) faced further decline on Tuesday as its immediate-past National Chairman, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, led some influential members to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Among the defectors was Senator Sulaiman Othman Hunkuyi, who had served at various times as the party’s Deputy National Chairman, National Organizing Secretary, and the Kaduna State NNPP Governorship Candidate. Additionally, Professor Bem Angwe, a former Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission and a former National Legal Adviser of the NNPP, as well as its Governorship Candidate in Benue State, joined the exodus.
Other notable members who defected include Alhaji Garba Umar, NNPP’s Governorship Candidate in Yobe state, Nuhu Ajiana Audu, Dr. Isa Abdullahi Shika, Hon. Mikaih Takwat, Major Yahaya Shinko (Rtd), Alhaji Usman Danbaba, Hon. Ihyom Asongu, Barrister John Tine, Hon. Mrs. Mercy Achagh, Chief Dr. Bob Echikwonye, Adamu Mohammed, Sarkin Malamai, and Hon. Johnson Abbah.
Prof. Alkali, who once served as the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), cited individual differences as the reason for their departure from the NNPP.
He explained that they chose to join the APC after careful consultations, turning down the PDP’s offer to return because the reasons for his initial departure from the party remained unchanged.
With the conclusion of all legal battles related to the presidential election by the Supreme Court, Prof. Alkali argued that it was time to support and encourage President Bola Tinubu to lead the Nigerian State and restore hope in the country.
He highlighted the importance of preserving Nigeria and protecting democracy, emphasizing that the challenges facing the country required national unity and cooperation.
As a result, their decision to join the APC was motivated by the need to address internal issues, contribute to the nation’s development, and play a leading role in resolving the challenges facing the African continent.